Been here before and always found the experience depends where you sit. A few times towards the front its been great. Once half way up the back facing the stage it was awful because it was being filmed and lights were shining in our eyes for much of the show and it was hard to see. This time I was lucky enough to get myself invited into one of the corporate suites for a show. These are very comfortable seats but behind the nosebleed section, so you're a fair way from the stage. I was expecting that, so wasn't really disappointed with the view.
But what was a real shame was the sound. It just didn't reach us.... there was no feeling of being in a concert. I could hear people talking around us, and even hear the click of people taking photos. In fact the talkers were getting shushed by others around them because it was drowning out the show. That's how far away it was. It was like watching over a fence rather than in the arena. And on top of that we were getting an echo effect, so that it sounded like everyone around us was singing along slightly behind the music. All our group was complaining about the acoustics after the show. Very disappointing for a supposedly premium live venue. And probably pretty disappointing for the corporate box holders as I imagine they pay a lot for those suites.
Acer Arena has to be Sydney's premium live venue.Acoustically pure. I attended on Monday to hear The Eagles.Yes, they were fabulous but I'm reviewing the venue. Having paid for the pre-show package I was required to be there at 6.00 pm.. Now this raises a problem if you drive from the northern beaches....peak hour..so I won't go any further in to that. Absolutely no shortage of alcohol and obliging staff to serve it. I was let down by the food having only 3 choices of hors d'oevre. I think for $150.00 they could step this up a bit. The cover band, The Robertsons played well and even managed to move a couple of the audience on to the dance floor. Our host Richard Wilkins was charming and approachable.Good choice of Acer, I thought, as he displays such an enormous knowledge of the music industry. A warning if you are sitting close to the stage to the sides. Check where the video boom is going to be as it may block part of your vision for the whole of the show.Shame they don't alternate it half way through. The after party of coffee, cheese and other tit bits doesn't finish until midnight so allow for this in your schedule. It's a big, enjoyable night out!